FAO and Iraqi Government advance strategic planning for climate financing

Through close collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Ministry of Environment and other government partners, a two-day workshop was held to examine climate funding opportunities available to Iraq, with particular emphasis on programming under the ninth replenishment cycle of the Global Environment Facility (GEF-9). The workshop contributes to the Iraqi Government’s broader efforts to identify funding opportunities for environmental projects aligned with national priorities.

The workshop brought together 26 high-level government representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Water Resources and General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, alongside technical experts from FAO headquarters, the FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa and the FAO Representation in Iraq.

 

The technical sessions began with an overview of the broader climate finance landscape and the funding windows available through the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Participants then examined the GEF-9 programming cycle for 2026–2030, GEF funding windows, the GEF Small Grants Programme and implementation arrangements, while also considering Iraq’s commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

“Iraq’s environmental priorities are closely linked to the future of its agrifood systems, water resources and rural livelihoods. This workshop reflects the close partnership between Iraqi institutions and FAO, combining national leadership with technical expertise and lessons from existing programmes to help shape coordinated, country-owned priorities that deliver lasting results for people and ecosystems. FAO remains committed to supporting the Government of Iraq in accessing climate funding and translating these priorities into sustainable investments and action.”
— Dr Salah El Hajj Hassan, FAO Representative in Iraq

The workshop placed national ownership and coordination at the centre of the programming process. Participants exchanged perspectives on how Iraq can align potential GEF-9 investments with national plans, environmental commitments and the priorities of affected communities, while strengthening cooperation among ministries, governorates and technical partners.

“GEF-9 offers Iraq an important opportunity to translate its commitments under the environmental conventions into practical and investable action. This requires clear national priorities and close cooperation across ministries, governorates and technical partners. The workshop provides a valuable platform to build that shared direction.”
— Dr Raghad Kadhim Asad Al-Obaidi, Acting Technical Deputy and Director General of the Planning and Follow-up Directorate, Ministry of Environment

The workshop concluded with recommendations on potential investment priorities and project proposals opportunities, particularly under GEF-9. FAO will continue to provide the necessary support, in close coordination with the Ministry of Environment and relevant government partners, to develop viable, country-owned project proposals based on these priorities.

The workshop contributes to progress towards Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 13 (Climate Action), 15 (Life on Land) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). It also supports Strategic Priority 3 – Environment and Climate Change Resilience – of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Iraq 2025–2029 and aligns with FAO’s Country Programming Framework for Iraq, particularly its focus on resilient agrifood systems and the sustainable management of natural resources.

 

About FAO and the Global Environment Facility

FAO is a GEF Agency and supports countries in designing and implementing projects that address global environmental challenges while advancing sustainable agrifood systems, resilient livelihoods and the responsible management of natural resources.

For More information, please contact : 
 -Khawla BenAicha , FAO Communications Expert : khawla.benaicha@fao.org

-Salah El Hajj Hassan, FAO Representative in Iraq: Salah.elhajjhassan@fao.org